The Southern Male Democrat

A former co-worker of mine said one of the most insightful things I have ever heard about Bobby. This person said - “Bobby Kennedy was the last person who could have made true liberalism work, because he demanded personal responsibility along with government action.”

In the three days encompassing June 4 through 6, 1968, the course of our nation was changed irrevocably with Bobby’s assassination. On June 4th, he won the California primary and with it the support of many party insiders who would decide the Democratic nomination. After giving his victory speech shortly after midnight on June 5th he was shot in the head and died 24 hours later.

Our country has not been the same since. As a memoriam to Bobby, take a look at the following speech that was delivered at Kansas State University in 1968. And then think about how prescient his words are for the challenges we face today in Iraq and at home.

I do not want — as I believe most Americans do not want — to sell out American interests, to simply withdraw, to raise the white flag of surrender. That would be unacceptable to us as a country and as a people. But I am concerned — as I believe most Americans are concerned — that the course we are following at the present time is deeply wrong. I am concerned — as I believe most Americans are concerned — that we are acting as if no other nations existed, against the judgment and desires of neutrals and our historic allies alike. I am concerned — as I believe most Americans are concerned — that our present course will not bring victory; will not bring peace; will not stop the bloodshed; and will not advance the interests of the United States or the cause of peace in the world.

Read the entire text of the speech here .

One of the great figures of Irish history is Owen Row O’Neill, a patriot who led in the early quest for Irish independence. He was beloved by his countrymen and O’Neill’s death caused a great period of national mourning which gave birth to the following poem;

Sages in the council was he,
Kindest in the Hall,
Sure we never won a battle
-Twas Owen won them all
Soft as a woman’s was your voice, O’Niell:
Bright was your eye,
Oh! Why did you leave us,Owen?
Why did you die?

Your troubles are all over
Your’re at rest with God on high,
But we’re slaves and we’re orphans Owen!
-Why did you die?

We’re sheep without a shepherd,
When the snow shuts out the sky-
Oh! Why did you leave us, Owen?
Why did you die?

Bobby shared this poem at his first major speech after the death of his brother. Sadly, it is also appropriate for him.

Rest in peace Bobby. We need your ideals now more than ever.